The Town of North Hempstead has authorized a $3.8 million bond for the Great Neck Park District "for the increase and improvement of facilities." Unanimously approved by North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman and the town council members at the town's April 20 board meeting, the bond comes at a cost of about $25 a year for taxpayers, but will not increase taxes as the new payment will replace payment on a retiring bond.

Since the park district is a special district within the town, the town must bond for the district.

The town board's first hearing for the bond proposal, on March 30, met with a large crowd of residents, some of who were concerned about both another financial burden and a misleading state mandated postcard. Many residents, however, did speak in favor of a bond that would address necessary infrastructure projects at the parks, which they consider a major asset and a draw to Great Neck. And while some complained that they had not been given sufficient notice, others insisted that the legal notices, local newspaper stories and several park district meetings were indeed notice enough. Due to the controversy surrounding the request, and the large number of residents contacting the town, Supervisor Kaiman decided to take the time to speak with concerned parties and to continue the hearing on April 20.

Mr. Kaiman did report that, since the March meeting, he and the town board members had spoken to many people, including speaking "in great detail" with the park commissioners, and, as well, had received many, many emails on the subject. Also, both the supervisor and the park commissioners had sent out mailings to park district residents, with explanations and with additional information.

At the April 20 meeting, again, there were divided views. Most of the residents at this most current meeting did speak in favor of the bond and the projects it would address. A few, however, still expressed primarily fiscal concerns and several members of the Great Neck Co-op and Condo Council again broached the subject of the four-class system for taxes. And again, both Mr. Kaiman and Park Board Chair Ruth Tamarin stated that the park district has no control over the classes and cannot merge tax classes as did the school district. Mr. Kaiman also suggested that the council and the park board meet to iron out any confusion. Ms. Tamarin said that talks were already in progress with certain apartment buildings.

Ms. Tamarin also stated that this repair bond is the first step in a five-year plan to "fix up the parks." Park Commissioner Robert Lincoln emphasized that "the need for these repairs is very clear" and he said that the park board has been "as fiscally responsible as we can be ... we pay taxes too." He said that these infrastructure repairs "have to be done" and with this bond can be done without the need to increase taxes. Park Commissioner Ivar Segalowitz added that many items are mandated, items such as those relating to safety, security and repair work.

After the residents and commissioners spoke, and just before the unanimous vote, some of the town council members spoke. Anthony D'Urso, whose council manic district includes part of Great Neck, stated that the park board had "established the need to upgrade" and that about 72 percent of his emails were in favor of the bond. Wayne Wink, who also represents parts of the peninsula, said that "much went into this" and that the park board is "doing the right thing, helping to make Great Neck a better place to live."

Councilman Angelo Ferrara said that the Great Neck Park District's parks are not only an asset to Great Neck, but add to the town as well.

Councilman Fred Pollack explained that it is not the town board's job to run the special districts, but to provide fiscal oversight. Councilman Thomas Dwyer added that "the park district has done its homework."

Councilman Robert Troiano added his "yes" vote.

Supervisor Kaiman spoke of the park commissioners being "diligent in putting forward their project."

The bond proposal was then approved with the full support of all six town board members and Supervisor Jon Kaiman.